The Black Theatre started off before the 1700s in North America. One of the earliest type of entertainment came from slave owners forcing blacks to sing and dance for them. Slowly, slaves were incorporated into white shows, but as empty, dumb characters. The minstrelsy was the true kick-off to black theatre, however it displayed racist stereotypes such as blackface. Black musicals soon followed and they were geared towards all black audiences which had success on Broadway. However, it was the same Broadway theatre, but was not considered a big time show. The Harlem Renaissance boomed in New York near the 1920’s but died down right after WW1 began. Black theatre experienced an all time low in the thirties and forties where many theatres closed down. A Raisin in the Sun and The Blacks brought back success for theatre and Raisin in the Sun was made into a film after many tours across the country. Once the civil rights movement began, African-Americans were looking a place to be themselves and it was apparent in theatre when they let go of the exaggerated costumes. Actors needed support from their communities and not approval from whites. Black theatre has its rollercoaster ride and seeks to stay in awareness in today’s entertainment world. In order to have diversity and a balance, there must be a presence of black theatre.